The MiMeS Project: First Results

TL;DR

The MiMeS Project investigates the magnetic properties of massive stars, providing initial observational results to understand their magnetic fields and their influence on stellar evolution and galactic chemistry.

Contribution

This paper presents the first observational results from the MiMeS Large Program, advancing understanding of magnetic fields in massive stars.

Findings

Initial detection of magnetic fields in a sample of massive stars

Statistical properties of magnetic fields in massive stars begin to be characterized

Implications for stellar evolution and galactic chemical enrichment

Abstract

Massive stars are those stars with initial masses above about 8 times that of the sun, eventually leading to catastrophic explosions in the form of supernovae. These represent the most massive and luminous stellar component of the Universe, and are the crucibles in which the lion's share of the chemical elements are forged. These rapidly-evolving stars drive the chemistry, structure and evolution of galaxies, dominating the ecology of the Universe - not only as supernovae, but also during their entire lifetimes - with far-reaching consequences. Although the existence of magnetic fields in massive stars is no longer in question, our knowledge of the basic statistical properties of massive star magnetic fields is seriously incomplete. The Magnetism in Massive Stars (MiMeS) Project represents a comprehensive, multidisciplinary strategy by an international team of recognized researchers to address the "big questions" related to the complex and puzzling magnetism of massive stars. This paper present the first results of the MiMeS Large Program at the Canada-France-Hawaii Telescope.